Criticism is something every player has to pass through once in a while, and Anthony Davis is no stranger to having his style of play or fitness talked about. Recently, a radio host and analyst, Craig Carton, went on a rant about AD, calling him the most overrated superstar in the league’s history.
Mr. Carton’s remarks shocked many, knowing how well Anthony Davis performed during the regular season for the Los Angeles Lakers. AD was one of the shining lights when the Lakers were finding it challenging to piece wins together; thus, the reason for Carton calling him overrated is quite intriguing.
Anthony Davis is the most overrated superstar in the history of the NBA. Can’t count on him (Anthony Davis). He’s not money good. He’s always injured, he’s soft. He doesn’t play through pain. You cannot count on him to be there when you need to win the game. What ticked me off: when they came out with the All 100, All 75 Team and put him on, I had a problem with that. Craig Carton said via The Carton Show
Carton had been unfair in his criticism, as Davis had been forced to play through pain, especially when LeBron James wasn’t available. And if he followed the Lakers games frequently, he would have known that Davis had been suffering from back spasms or ankle injury, and his exiting the game early on was just a precautionary measure.
The Lakers will need AD fit if they aim to make a similar run to the conference final as they pulled last time. Davis, during the regular season, averaged 24.7 PPG and 12.6 RPG while playing a career-high 76 games all through pain and injury.
Anthony Davis confirmed he will play against the New Orleans Pelicans despite injury scare
Davis exited the game between the Lakers and the Pelicans in the fourth quarter after suffering what appeared to be a back injury. After the match, he reassured the fans by confirming that he would be available to play against the Pelicans in the crucial play-in tournament game.
I got shoved in the back, and it just kind of locked up. Nothing concerning, but I was in the air, so it’s just a dangerous play. It's nothing serious. There’s no doubt that I’ll play, but we’ll just see how it feels the rest of the day. Anthony Davis said via Dave McMenamin
It could have been a disaster for both the team and the player, as he had stayed fit throughout the regular, only to succumb to his worst enemy. His injury record had also led to the worries.
Davis, when healthy, is a top-ten NBA player, but with injuries being part of the game, the Lakers would have to manage his appearances carefully. And at the end of the day, prove his worth to Craig Carton.
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